The Nigerian Air force (NAF) says activities lined up to mark its 58 years Anniversary will help it to restrategise and come up with ways of ending security challenges confronting the nation.
The Chairman Organising Committee for the Force, Air Commodore Olasunkanmi Abidoye while disclosing this in Abuja said the Nigerian Air Force in its 58 years of existence has no doubt grown into a formidable and respected force within the African continent and beyond.
The Nigerian Air Force 58th Anniversary Celebration/ Reunion is scheduled to hold from 19 to 21 May 2022 at the Nigerian Air Force Base, in Kano State.
Significant Contributions
Air Commodore Abidoye said that it has also continued to make significant contributions in the areas of internal security, humanitarian and peace-keeping operations as well as restoration and sustenance of democracy on the African continent.
He started tstatedwas only rational therefore, to celebrate its existence as well as the laudable achievements recorded over the years.
He also noted that the Nigerian Air Force and the media over the years as stakeholders have collective drive at addressing the security challenges facing the country.
According to him, this is not only rewarding for the Nigerian Air Force but the entire Nation as they find unity in their diversity to fight the common enemy.
Media Cooperation
He said that the modest achievements recorded by the Nigerian Air Force especially in the last 14 months would not have been possible without media cooperation and unflinching support as key enablers of information dissemination on all Nigerian Air Force activities to Nigerian.
He therefore commended their sense of patriotism and cooperation in building a strong and virile nation as well as promoting peace and unity in our dear country.
The Theme of the 58th Anniversary Celebration, is “Enhancing Nigerian Air Force Efficiency in Joint Operations for Effective Response to Contemporary National Security Imperatives”.
According to Commandore Abidoye, the choice of this year’s theme is deliberate as it is aimed at emphasizing renewed focus on joint military operations and effective synergy among the Services and other security agencies as well as consolidate on the gains of the employment of airpower especially at this critical stage in the Nation’s history.
It is also in tandem with the Chief of the Air Staff’s vision “To enhance and sustain critical airpower capabilities required for joint force employment in pursuit of national security imperatives”.
Activities to Celebrate the Day
Accordingly, to mark this year’s Nigerian Air Force Day Celebration, series of activities have been lined up to enlighten the citizens of Nigerian Air Force efforts in the fight against insurgency, terrorism and other forms of criminality within the Country.
Thus, there will be series of pre-event activities taking place simultaneously at Nigerian Air Force units across the country.
These activities include Juma’at Prayers and Interdenominational Church Service on Friday, 13 and Sunday, 15 May 2022 respectively.
There will also be medical outreaches to host communities across the country.
Furthermore, the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) will also embark on humanitarian support activities to some selected communities in Kano State.
All these are geared towards winning the consent and support as well as appreciating Nigerians for their support and goodwill over the years.
The Anniversary will also feature a Seminar which is scheduled to hold on 19 May 2022 as well as the Pulling out Ceremony of members of 35th and 36th Regular Course who recently retired from the Service.
Specifically, the Seminar will provide opportunity for seasoned experts to present papers on air to ground integration and operational efficiency as well as optimizing Nigerian Air Force platforms for effective joint force employment.
The focal point of the Seminar is to proffer workable strategies aimed at checkmating various security challenges confronting us as a Nation.
A golf kitty will also be held in Kano while other sporting activities will take place simultaneously in all Nigerian Air Force units across the country on Friday, 20 May 2022.
Still on Friday, 20 May 2022, there will be a Re-union Night to honour some retired senior officers of the Nigerian Air Force after many years of meritorious service to our dear Country.
The activities marking the Nigerian Air Force Day Celebration is expected to end on Saturday, 21 May 2022 with a ceremonial parade, symbolic flypast, Research and Development (R&D) exhibition and photo gallery display.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour for the ceremonial parade, flypast, R&D exhibition and the photo gallery display.
He thanked the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao for his usual support towards projecting a favourable image of the Nigerian Air Force.